Hinkley Point C: EDF is delighted by the British Government’s decision

EDF Group statement in response to the Government's decision on Hinkley Point C:

EDF is delighted by the British Government’s decision today to confirm its agreement for the construction by EDF of two EPR reactors at Hinkley Point.

The approval of this construction project for two nuclear reactors on the Hinkley Point site in Somerset in the South-West of England marks the conclusion of ten years of preparation and rigorous planning. It will benefit from the joint strengths of the British and French nuclear industries, and will lead to the creation of 25,000 job opportunities on the site during construction, and will offer numerous opportunities for local and national businesses. Areva, GE-Alstom and BYLOR as well as hundreds of French medium size businesses and SMEs will be committed to the success of the project. An exchange of letters between EDF and the British authorities will render the discussions that took place over the last few days, to formalise their wish to take into account the EDF’s commitment to retain control of HPC project.

Hinkley Point C is an essential part of EDF Group’s CAP 2030 strategy. EDF Group is a European leader in the production of low carbon electricity. It will allow the Group to strengthen its presence in Britain, a country in which its subsidiary EDF Energy already operates 15 nuclear reactors and is the leading producer by volume of electricity. It will mobilise the skills of EDF as a nuclear engineer at the highest level and will be a benchmark for EDF internationally. EDF Group will work vigorously with its longstanding partner, the Chinese electricity producer CGN to guarantee the success of this project, serving the United Kingdom.

Jean-Bernard Lévy, EDF Group CEO said: “The decision of the British Government to approve the construction of Hinkley Point C marks the relaunch of nuclear in Europe. It demonstrates the UK's desire to lead the fight against climate change through the development of low carbon electricity. This decision demonstrates confidence in the EPR technology and in the world renowned expertise of the French nuclear industry. I congratulate the teams of EDF who have developed this project to maturity with enthusiasm, professionalism and determination."

Vincent de Rivaz, CEO of EDF Energy and Executive Committee member of the Group said: “Today’s announcement is good news for British consumers, a huge boost for British industry and a major step forward in the fight against climate change. The strong performance of the EDF Energy’s 15 nuclear reactors underpins our credibility as a nuclear operator and developer in the UK. We will take the risk and responsibility to deliver Hinkley Point C and provide the UK with the reliable low carbon electricity it needs. The experience and expertise gained from restarting new nuclear build in the UK will help following projects be cheaper”

A key player in energy transition, the EDF Group is an integrated electricity company, active in all areas of the business: generation, transmission, distribution, energy supply and trading, energy services. A global leader in low-carbon energies, the Group has developed a diversified generation mix based on nuclear power, hydropower, new renewable energies and thermal energy. The Group is involved in supplying energy and services to approximately 37.6 million customers, of which 27.8 million in France. The Group generated consolidated sales of €75 billion in 2015, of which 47.2% outside of France. EDF is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange

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EDF Energy

EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest energy companies and the largest producer of low-carbon electricity, producing around one-fifth of the nation's electricity from its nuclear power stations, wind farms, coal and gas power stations and combined heat and power plants. The company supplies gas and electricity to over 5 million customer accounts and is the biggest supplier of electricity by volume in Great Britain.

EDF Energy’s safe and secure operation of its eight existing nuclear power stations at sites across the country makes it the UK’s largest generator of low carbon electricity. EDF Energy is also leading the UK's nuclear renaissance and has published plans to build four new nuclear plants, subject to the right investment framework.

These new plants could generate enough low carbon electricity for about 40% of Britain’s homes. They would make an important contribution to the UK’s future needs for clean, secure and affordable energy. The project is already creating business and job opportunities for British companies and workers.

Through Our Better Energy Ambitions, EDF Energy has developed one of the biggest environmental and social programmes of any British energy company.

In 2014 EDF Energy received seven ‘Big Ticks’ in the Business in the Community (BITC) Responsible Business Awards. In 2013 EDF Energy received the Environmental Leadership for Behavioural Change Award in the national Environment and Energy Awards and was highly commended in the first ever pan European Corporate Social Responsibility Awards scheme for its Sustainable Schools programme – the Pod.

EDF Energy is part of EDF Group, one of Europe’s largest power companies. The company employs around 14,000 people at locations across the UK.